Caring for people with cognition deficits - dementia, strokes, traumatic brain injuries in a residential assisted living is challenging during normal times but add in the complications of COVID 19 and it has been one wild year for sure! Following is a quick glimpse of what it has taken to remain COVID Free.
Normal times meant an enjoyable setting with activities, visits from family and friends, outings, exercise classes, live music, pet visits, family dining, etc. This care model addresses the needs of Memory Care with a secure setting, 2 caregivers taking care of 8 residents all day, special open concept residential home modified to meet the resident's special needs, modifications to activities, adjustments to food service, medical oversite, etc. We had to adjust their old normal to include the changes brought about by COVID 19.
Residents:
Daily temperature screenings and constant watching for symptoms of COVID
Reduced visitation - through a closed window using a phone or in the outside area. Residents miss loved ones, cannot remember why visits changed and do not realize the visitor with a mask is family.
Everyone wearing masks
Social distancing for meals and activities
Quarantining when necessary
Constant cleaning by staff, hand cleaning and sanitizing
COVID testing and the slow wait for results
Constant media attention about COVID and the terrible things happening in health care settings causing both residents and staff to become scared and depressed, wondering if they are going to die or cause someone else to become infected.
Staff:
Daily temperature screenings and constant watching for symptoms of COVID
If any symptoms were discovered or there was possible exposure outside of the facility, there was a COVID test done and quarantining until symptoms passed and negative test results were received
Wearing masks, screening residents, visitors (most were not allowed for 1st 6 months), conducting video meetings for residents and families and providers not allowed in
Managing residents and trying to maintain normal in this residential setting where social distancing is challenging because people want to move around and be near each other.
Flexible with schedule so they worked when available, not in a watch mode and rested when the other staff was back on shift. We had to carry extra staff throughout to make this process work for all.
Giving an extra dose of love and kindness to make up for the lack of family contact
So here we are today, a little burned out and exhausted, but happy we have remained COVID free for everyone's sake. We have all been vaccinated and have encouraged our regular visitors to do the same. Indoor visitation is being allowed, hugs and hand holding can happen again, weather is warming up so we can get outside, walk, get our gardens going, eat our meals, have some fun and find our new normal. The vigilance continues until this pandemic is over.
Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Russ Udelhofen, Administrator of Jaxpointe Assisted Living Memory Care Homes. He may be reached at 303-420-5590 or email at [email protected]
For years, home was a place that felt more like a memory than a reality for one senior who spent most of his time moving between hospitals and rehab centers. As someone relying on Health First Colorado, his healthcare journey was often exhausting and repetitive until he found a way to bridge the gap between needing help and wanting to stay in his own favorite chair.A Lifeline through Colorado Medicaid Remote Support ServicesEverything changed when he started a new routine that combined four hours of daily help from a caregiver with the around the clock security of Colorado Medicaid remote support services. While his caregiver focused on making sure his home was clean and his meals were delicious, the remote support team acted like a quiet guardian watching over him through the day and night. By using simple devices to check his blood pressure and oxygen levels, he was never truly alone, and his remote coordinators became familiar voices who checked in on him with a friendly call every single day.Technology that Catches the Small DetailsThe true value of this hybrid care became clear when his daily vitals showed a trend that no one would have noticed otherwise. His remote team saw his blood pressure was dropping to a level that made him feel lightheaded, and they immediately coordinated with his doctor to adjust his medication before he could have a dangerous fall. Even during a sudden bout with an infection, he was able to use his emergency button to keep everyone informed while he was being helped by paramedics, ensuring that his care team was right there with him every step of the way.Six Months of Staying Home After a lifetime of being told he needed to be in a facility, he has now spent six months thriving in his own home with only one very short hospital stay. This story proves that when we combine human heart with the power of technology, staying home is not just a dream but a reality that is accessible through programs like Colorado Medicaid.
Returning home from a hospital stay can challenge anyone, especially people with chronic conditions. For Colorado Medicaid members, Remote Support Services simplify this transition. Our program provides comprehensive support right in your home, ensuring a smooth and safe return to your daily life. We use technology to monitor your health, empowering you to take an active role in your wellness journey and prevent future complications.Our Post-Hospitalization ProcedureOur simple process focuses on your well-being: Initial Contact: A member or family member contacts our agency to discuss their needs. Service Determination: We assess the members condition and decide if our chronic disease management services are right for them. Coordination with County/Case Manager: We contact the members case manager or county to confirm their benefits are initiated or enrolled. This step ensures a seamless process and proper coverage under Health First Colorado, the states Medicaid program. Initiating Remote Monitoring: Once we have confirmation, we start the member on remote monitoring to ensure their safety and track their progress. This allows us to proactively address any potential issues. Continuation Discussion: After the initial three-month period, we discuss continuing services to ensure the member continues receiving the care they need to maintain their health. How We Monitor Your HealthOur remote monitoring program uses easy-to-use, at-home equipment to help you track your health vitals and communicate with your care team. The program combines devices and daily check-ins: Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff: For those with hypertension or heart conditions, this device automatically sends your blood pressure readings to us, giving us a continuous picture of your cardiovascular health. Bluetooth-enabled weight scale: We use this to monitor for sudden weight changes. For conditions like heart failure, a significant, rapid weight increase can signal fluid retention and may need prompt attention. Pulse oximeter: This small device clips onto your finger to measure your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. Its especially useful for managing conditions that affect breathing, such as COPD or asthma, and provides a quick look at how well oxygen gets to your body. Daily phone questionnaire: You will have a brief daily check-in with your remote care coordinator by phone. This allows you to report on how youre feeling, discuss symptoms, and ask questions. This personal touch ensures we can provide timely support and adjust your care plan as needed. This regular monitoring allows our team to identify changes and intervene early, preventing complications and giving you a sense of security at home.Benefits of Chronic Disease ManagementOur chronic disease management program offers significant benefits to Colorado Medicaid members: Improved Health Outcomes: With continuous, proactive management, members can better control their chronic conditions, reducing the risk of complications and future hospitalizations. Enhanced Access to Care: Using technology and telehealth services, our program helps overcome barriers to care, ensuring members have timely access to medical advice and support. This particularly benefits those in rural or underserved areas of Colorado. Better Care Coordination: Our team serves as a central point of contact, facilitating communication between all healthcare providers involved in a members care. This ensures a well-coordinated treatment plan and effective communication of any changes. Increased Patient Engagement: By regularly monitoring their vitals, members become more engaged and knowledgeable about their own health. This empowers them to make better lifestyle choices and stick to their treatment plan. ConclusionOur remote support program provides seamless, personalized care for Colorado Medicaid members after a hospital stay. This approach benefits both the individual, by empowering them to manage their health safely at home, and the healthcare system, by ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively. If you or a loved one are a Colorado Medicaid member returning from the hospital, our remote supports program can be a critical step toward long-term wellness and independence.
When Denver families begin planning for the futurewhether theyre preparing documents for aging parents, navigating a sudden life transition, or simply wanting to ensure their assets are handled responsiblytrust management becomes more than a legal service. It becomes a relationship built on clarity, confidence, and compassion.In a growing city like Denver, where multigenerational households, blended families, and retirees all share the landscape, the need for thoughtful estate and trust guidance continues to rise. Stone Law, LLC, located in the heart of Denver, has become a steady and reliable resource for families who want to preserve harmony and protect their loved ones through every season of life.This article explores what makes trust management so essential, why Denver residents are turning to community-rooted firms like Stone Law, LLC, and how their approach blends professionalism with deep personal care.Why Trust Management Matters More Than Ever in DenverDenvers demographics have been shifting for years. With a growing population of retirees, tech-industry professionals, lifelong Coloradans, and newcomers arriving from across the country, estate planning is no longer one-size-fits-all. Many residents have questions such as: Who will manage my assets if I become unable to do so? How do I ensure my wishes are carried out carefully and correctly? How can I help my family avoid conflict or confusion during difficult times? Trust management provides the structure that keeps families protected and ensures transitions happen as smoothly as possible. When done well, it relieves stress and gives people peace of mind that someone they trust has their best interests at heart.In Denverwhere the cost of living continues to rise, property values are high, and family structures vary widelythoughtful, personalized legal support becomes essential to safeguarding the future.Stone Law, LLC: A Local Practice with Deep Colorado ValuesWhat sets Stone Law, LLC apart is not just their legal experience, but their reputation for treating each family as if they were their own. Trust management requires sensitivity, steadiness, and a clear understanding of both legal frameworks and human dynamics. The team at Stone Law brings all of this to the table.Denver residents often describe the firm as approachable and groundedqualities that can make all the difference when discussing topics that are deeply personal. Their office supports clients with: Trust administration and oversight Successor trustee guidance Asset distribution clarity Documentation support and legal compliance Communication and conflict-reduction among beneficiaries But beyond the legal services, what clients appreciate most is the calm, steady reassurance that comes with having a firm local to Denver, knowledgeable about Colorado law, and deeply familiar with the needs of Colorado families.A Supportive Approach That Puts Families FirstStone Laws philosophy revolves around communication and claritytwo components that are especially important in trust management, where misunderstandings can have lasting consequences.The team prides itself on breaking down legal jargon so families can make decisions with confidence. They take time during their consultations to understand family relationships, long-term goals, financial concerns, and personal wishes.Whether a family is navigating a newly established trust, managing responsibilities for an aging parent, or resolving questions during a major life change, Stone Law, LLC focuses on: Step-by-step education Compassionate listening Transparent processes Ongoing communication Customized guidance tailored to the familys unique dynamics This human-centered approach is one of the reasons local families consistently return to the firm or refer loved ones."Were Here to Simplify a Complicated Time": A Message from Angela StoneWhen asked about the heart behind their work, Angela Stone, office manager at Stone Law, LLC, shared a message that reflects the firms guiding philosophy: Families come to us during some of the most importantand sometimes emotionalmoments of their lives. Our goal is to simplify a complicated process and give them confidence that everything will be handled with care. Trust management isnt just paperwork. Its about honoring someones wishes and easing the burden on their loved ones. Her perspective aligns with the firms commitment to making trust administration as smooth and stress-free as possible, no matter the situation.Denver Context: Why Local Expertise MattersTrust laws can vary significantly from state to state, which makes local legal insight especially valuable. Colorado has unique tax considerations, timelines, and administrative requirements that families need to navigate correctly.Families in Denver often seek Stone Law, LLC because they are: Familiar with Colorados probate and trust regulations Experienced in navigating trusts that involve property across multiple counties, including Denver County, Arapahoe County, and Jefferson County Well-versed in family-owned business succession common in Colorado Comfortable working with families who own multiple properties, including cabins in the mountains or vacation homes Sensitive to Denvers cultural diversity and shifting demographics Denvers unique blend of outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, modern professionals, and long-established families means no two trust situations look the same. Having a locally grounded firm ensures guidance that fits the realities of livingand agingin Colorado.When to Seek Help with Trust ManagementMany families arent sure when to involve a trust management professional. Stone Law, LLC encourages clients to reach out when: A loved one becomes unable to manage their affairs A successor trustee is unsure of their duties Beneficiaries have questions or concerns A trust involves multiple properties or business assets A family wants to minimize conflict or confusion A major life eventsuch as a move, marriage, or passingrequires updates Getting support early helps avoid mistakes, delays, or emotional stress later on.What Denver Families Can Expect Working with Stone Law, LLCStone Law is known for creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. When working with their team, families typically experience:Clear CommunicationThey translate legal requirements into plain language so everyone understands their role.Guided Next StepsFamilies leave meetings knowing exactly what needs to happen and when.Proactive Problem-SolvingThe firm anticipates potential issues and addresses them before they escalate.Respect and CompassionThey recognize that trust management often intersects with grief, transition, or uncertainty.Long-Term Relationship SupportMany clients return for additional estate planning, updates, or future guidance.FAQs About Trust Management in Denver1. Do I need a lawyer to manage a trust in Colorado?While its not legally required, professional guidance helps ensure proper administration, legal compliance, and reduced risk of misunderstandings or disputes.2. What happens if Im named a trustee but dont know what to do?Stone Law, LLC provides step-by-step guidance so you can carry out your responsibilities confidently and correctly.3. Can trust management help prevent family conflict?Yes. Clear communication, structured processes, and legal oversight significantly reduce confusion and disagreements among beneficiaries.4. How is trust management different from probate?Trusts often allow families to avoid probate, but they still require organized administration, documentation, and proper distribution of assets.5. Does Stone Law work with families outside Denver?Although based in Denver, the firm assists clients throughout Colorado and supports families with multi-county or multi-property estates.Take the Next Step Toward Peace of MindTrust management does more than protect assetsit protects relationships, legacies, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your wishes will be honored. To learn more or connect directly with Stone Law, LLC, visit their Seniors Blue Book listing
Jaxpointe Memory Care Homes: Secure, Compassionate Residential Assisted Living for Individuals with Memory LossJaxpointe Memory Care Homes is a trusted leader in secure residential memory care assisted living. Proudly entering its 17th year of providing exceptional and heartfelt care, Jaxpointe specializes in serving individuals living with memory-related conditions such as Alzheimers disease, dementia, stroke-related memory loss, Parkinsons disease, Lewy Body dementia, and other neurological challenges.Located in the beautiful and quiet neighborhoods of Arvada, Lakewood, Golden, and Wheat Ridgejust northwest of DenverJaxpointe offers an intimate and supportive environment for residents and peace of mind for their families. Our residential memory care homes are designed to provide the familiarity, warmth, and comfort of a private residence, with all the safety, supervision, and specialized attention your loved one deserves.Personalized Care in a Secure SettingUnlike large institutional facilities, each Jaxpointe home cares for only eight residents, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and consistent support. Our low resident-to-caregiver ratiowith 2 caregivers on duty during the day and 1 awake overnight caregiverallows us to truly know each resident and respond to their needs with compassion, patience, and understanding.Our team is specially trained to support those living with cognitive impairments, providing both physical assistance and emotional reassurance. From help with daily living activitieslike bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal assistanceto meaningful social interaction and personalized engagement, our caregivers treat each resident with the dignity and respect they deserve.The secure environment within each home gives families peace of mind, knowing their loved one is protected and comfortable in a setting that minimizes confusion, reduces stress, and promotes safety and independence.Memory Care with HeartAt Jaxpointe, memory care is more than just a serviceits a mission. We understand the challenges families face when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimers or another form of dementia. Thats why weve created a care model that centers around love, patience, and connection.Our caregivers build strong bonds with residents, fostering trust and emotional security. With deep empathy and training, they are prepared to navigate the unique behaviors and symptoms associated with memory loss, from sundowning and anxiety to restlessness and mood swings. Each team member is committed to meeting residents where they are, adapting to their changing needs with kindness and consistency.Activities that Inspire and EngageWe believe that meaningful engagement enhances quality of life, no matter the stage of memory loss. Our homes offer a wide range of stimulating activities tailored to each residents abilities and interests. These include:Music and art therapyGardening and nature walksCognitive games and memory exercisesGentle physical activities like stretching and chair yogaHoliday celebrations and themed eventsOutings to parks, scenic drives, and local attractionsParticipation in daily routines and planned activities helps residents maintain a sense of purpose and joy, while also encouraging social interaction and cognitive stimulation.All-Inclusive, Affordable PricingJaxpointe is proud to offer incredibly affordable, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. Families appreciate the financial transparency and value, especially compared to larger facilities where costs can quickly escalate. Our pricing includes:24/7 care and supervisionAll meals and snacksMedication managementHousekeeping and laundryActivities and outingsPersonal hygiene assistanceOngoing assessments and care coordinationThis simplified approach allows families to plan with confidence and focus on what matters mostensuring their loved one is safe, happy, and cared for.A Home-Like Alternative to Institutional FacilitiesJaxpointe Memory Care Homes are thoughtfully designed to feel like home. With cozy furnishings, inviting common areas, and private or semi-private rooms, residents live in a peaceful, non-institutional setting. The familiarity of a real home helps reduce anxiety and confusion, especially for those with advanced dementia.Each home is licensed and regularly inspected, with built-in safety features like secure entrances, fall prevention modifications, and emergency response systems. Our goal is to combine the best of professional care with the warmth of a family environment.Serving Families Across the Northwest Denver MetroWith locations in Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, and Wheat Ridge, Jaxpointe is conveniently situated to serve families across the Northwest Denver suburbs. Whether you are exploring care options for a loved one in the early stages of dementia or seeking a safe and loving environment for someone with more advanced memory loss, were here to help.Jaxpointe Memory Care Homes invites you to discover the difference of personalized, secure, residential memory care. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit jaxpointe.com or call today. Let us provide your loved one with the compassion, dignity, and expert care they deservebecause at Jaxpointe, we care like family.